The welcome
"Warm and welcoming spiritual family" "how everyone says hello
(inside and outside of church); it feels like a congregation."
"openness to all" "a building and group that always make me feel
welcome" "Dear Reverend Ray, Thank you for inviting me to your church.
I now feel like I am a part of something, so I just want to say Thank
you." "welcoming atmosphere of the parish community"
Community and fellowship
"wonderful fellowship" "The community of St. Philip’s, specifically the people that attend and all the hard work that they do" "the warmth of the Peace" "each member"
"I appreciate being known; also the heritage and history of
its members like Jessie Cole; folks being baptized, confirmed, married,
and buried here, giving a sense of community, continuity, and family"
"good friends" "close to home---easier to participate in activities
that are not on Sundays" "lifelong memories" "down to earth and
faithful spirit" "St. Philip‘s is very active for a parish of
such small size" "fellowship present in all gatherings" "The St.
Philip’s community is an anchor in my life."
Parishioners of
St. Philip’s
"warmth of the people here" "I feel tremendous appreciation of the generosity of fellow parishioners" "dedicated work that people give to support the church" "the group of believers here" "for those who lead us" "I’m thankful for the dedication and hard work by our long term members. They provide much help to us newer members." "openness and willingness in St. Philip’s leaders" "the same 8 a.m. group; it’s growing; thanks be to God."
Kindness, love, and compassion
"The kindness of folks in this church is really great. Everybody that I know in this church is nice and supportive. That’s how a church should be." "I feel Jesus’ great peace and love and comfort here." "The love from one another that fills my heart with joy" "kindliness of priest and wife" "Nancy Lee Manseau and the loving ways she manages our church office" "St. Philip’s is a small church with a big heart." "people and rector of St. Philip’s for their love and kindness" "family atmosphere and care and concern for each member" "fellowship activities" "St. Philip’s is like a family and radiates a warm spirit to all"
Spiritual guidance and growth
St. Philip’s provides me guidance for my spiritual
life." "a place (people) to come to when in need of spiritual strength"
"I am thankful for this place where Christ is proclaimed and we are
guided as sinners worthy of His redeeming love." "the Holy Spirit
working through St. Philip’s" "this beautiful church which
gives me a peaceful place to worship" "I appreciate St.
Philip’s giving me the opportunity to donate of my gifts."
"St. Philip’s is a place that I feel closer to God." "I
appreciate prayers for my well being from parishioners." "We have grown
in our faith and feel that our children know more now than when they
were younger." "Communion with one another in Christ is the greatest
fulfillment.
Children’s
programs
"Molly Ward (Youth Coordinator)" "energy put into developing and sustaining the children’s program" "the Sunday School for our kids" "for the sounds of ‘little voices’--Sunday School is growing" "improving church school" "caring adults who teach my children each week in Sunday School" "acceptance of children in services---no "crying room" "cute children" (AND FROM THEIR MOUTHS----what do they love?------"God" "art" "friends (my friends missed me)" "Jesus" "the choir" "the teachers" "my daddy" "painting" "seeing my friends" "crafts" "playing" "when my mommy comes to church" "communion" --- and everyone loves "COFFEE HOUR!"
Our priest
"I feel especially grateful for Fr Ray’s spiritual leadership and kindness and personal guidance." "blessed to have such a wonderful rector" "Ray!" "Fr Ray’s sermons" "Your sermons are good--but prefer you standing" "Love the sermons and support of St. Philip’s--makes no difference if you stand or sit" "Ray, keep sitting down once a month! Like a fireside chat" "I enjoy the thought and most times insightful sermons" "Messages that Fr Ray delivers with each sermon" "the way the sermons really inform me of God’s teachings" "I thank God for Fr Ray and the love I feel from everyone in the church" "We are blessed to have Fr Ray lead us."
Music
"Music is terrific." "Paul, our organist and choir director" "the choir" "the hymns" "choir music and organ playing" "the ‘new and improved’ music program and Paul’s gifts" "fellowship of the choir [as a new choir member]" "the pretty songs the choir sings" "how the choir has blossomed so under Paul’s leadership; new growth in numbers" "wonderful organ and choir music" "Paul Utgoff, our fine organist"
In conclusion.........
"St. Philip’s Church is a good Samaritan."
"St. Philip’s Church is a loving congregation."
"I’m grateful that God is alive and well here at St. Philip’s; it’s evident in what I see around me."
"St. Philip’s Church----a truly happy group."
THANK YOU from the Stewardship Ministry Team TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED in this exercise!